5 Myths About Private School

3/10/2016

Whether from popular literature, movies, TV shows, or even rumors, our preconceived ideas about private schools aren’t always pleasant. Over the years, several myths about boarding schools have been left unchecked. So, as a private boarding school for boys, we thought we’d help debunk some of the misleading myths concerning private schools.

1. Myth: Only students from wealthy families can afford to attend.While private schools do charge tuition fees, that doesn’t mean your family needs to be millionaires in order to attend. Many families with average incomes are able to send their children to private school if they believe they’ll receive a better education there than at the local public school. Often, families can also apply for financial assistance. At The Kiski School for example, we gave away $4.2 million in financial aid in 2014.

2. Myth: Homework is much more difficult and plentiful than at public schools.Private schools want students to succeed just as much as public schools, which means we’re not burdening students with impossible amounts of work. While some private schools do have higher academic standards than public schools, we don’t give our students more than they can handle. We provide our students with the skills and resources they need to succeed.

3. Myth: Students have no time to hang out and relax.Private school students have time to hang out with their friends, play video games, watch TV, and relax just like public school students. The Kiski School also encourages our boys to participate and engage during our monthly Community Weekends.

4. Myth: It’s impossible to get accepted into a private school unless you’rewell­ connected. Anyone can apply to a private school for objective consideration. While some competitive private schools have waitlists resembling Harvard’s, most leave a few spots available all year round for special circumstances. You don’t have to have contacts at the White House to be considered at private schools. You can learn more about Kiski’s application process here.

5. Myth: They’re only for students and families of a certain faith.At one time, this may have been true for some private schools. Most private institutions today are open to accepting students of all faiths. Many schools don’t have any official religious affiliations at all. You won’t see nuns running around with rulers and grim expressions at most modern private schools.

If you need to see these myths debunked for yourself, schedule a visit at Kiski!

Established in 1888, The Kiski School is one of the oldest, private, all-boys, college preparatory boarding schools in Pennsylvania and the United States. Home to 200 boys, Kiski offers an academically rigorous curriculum that includes AP and Honors courses, 12 varsity sports, and a community that allows boys to thrive through project-based learning and self-discovery. Kiski's beautiful, 350-acre campus is located in Saltsburg, Pennsylvania, 30 miles east of Pittsburgh, PA.